Jordanian officials are drafting a reply to a human rights report on Jordan, issued by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Department late February, Jordan Times quoted official sources as saying.
The report claims that efforts to enhance Jordan's human rights record remain hindered by the “government's violations of human rights.”
The report contends the government was in violation of basic human rights principles, including respect for the integrity of the person from several forms of abuse and claims that violations came from instruments of the state such as security forces and police. It said the government also failed to uphold civil liberties by infringing on freedom of speech, press, assembly and association and respect for political rights from restrictions on issues including the right of citizens to change their government and freedom of movement.
Other violations were listed under discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, language or social status; examples of which were reported as those witnessed in violence against women, restrictions on women's rights, child abuse, and violations against workers, the Jordan Times said.
The violations were described as: political and extra judicial killings by members of the security forces, police brutality and mistreatment of detainees; allegations of torture; arbitrary arrest and detention; lack of transparent investigations and accountability within the security services; prolonged detention without charge, lack of due process of law and interference in the judicial process.
"The law provides prisoners with the right to humane treatment, however the police and security forces sometimes abuse detainees physically and verbally during detention and interrogation and allegedly use torture," the report said, adding that the most frequent method of torture was sleep deprivation, beatings on the soles of feet, prolonged suspension with ropes in contorted positions, and extended solitary confinement. Force was also used by police to disperse demonstrations, the report said.
Jordanian anti-riot forces cracked down on hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the country, which erupted after the outbreak of the Intifada. One Palestinian refugee was killed, allegedly by police fire in the Baqaa camp north of Amman. The government denied the allegation and said the killing was a settlement of “personal dispute.” – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
